How to Generate Sales Even Before You Open Your Retail Store

Opening a retail store can be an exciting prospect. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Setting up a business such as a retail shop can be a gratifying process, indeed. However, if you’re not too careful, that can quickly go downhill. Just like any milestone in life, you need the time to plan, undergo the steps, and dedicate yourself as much as you can to turn your retail store into a success. So before you jump into the retail store industry head-on, take a moment first to read and understand the process so that you can turn your dream into reality, in no time.

Set Up an Online Store

As the years went by, more and more people are starting to embrace the concept of online shopping. The numbers are telling ‒ in the second quarter of 2016, retail e-commerce sales reached a staggering $96 billion. That’s more or less 8 percent of the total retail sales. When the second quarter of 2017 came in, those sales grew into a whopping 16 percent.Now, judging from these numbers, it’s safe to say that setting up an online store is a vital aspect for your business. In a world where digital technology is ever-evolving, e-commerce, the process of buying and selling goods and services online, gives you a better way to serve customers, and find even new ones (ones that you may never enter their physical location.)As e-commerce is increasingly growing and expanding, it’s becoming convenient and accessible to reach out to your target customer base. Now, it’s possible to set up and create an online store within minutes selling through sites like Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, and Etsy. No doubt that setting up an online store is an excellent way to build a steady customer base while earning cash on the side even before you launch. By setting up an online store even before you’re pre-opening dates, it’s guaranteed that you’re already setting your business up for success in the long run.

Sell On Pop-Up Shops and Events

So, what exactly is a pop-up shop, and how do you set up one? Pop-up shops are more than just a trend these days. Instead, they present a more vital business opportunity, and they are here to stay in the long run.The entire concept of setting up a pop-up store is simple ‒ you don’t have to commit yourself in a commercial lease long-term. Pop-up stores allow you to promote your concept, brand, vision, products, and services in a short period. Since pop-up shops are flexible, they last whenever you want them to last. If you need a space for a day, month, or year, maybe, it’s up to you. It gives you the freedom to promote your brand, connect with potential clients, and test out your market without a long-term commitment.

As a result, your sales will take off when you launch a pop-up event as you’re engaging and creating real-life experiences with potential customers. Physical retail these days are becoming more and more accessible. You don’t need to have a full-warehouse stocked, or don’t need a space to rent out on long-term either. It’s so easy to set up a booth in your local farmer’s market every weekend or rent out a small space in an upcoming festival in your area.

Use Social Media to Sell Your Items

If you’re not using social media yet to promote your brand, items, and services, then you are missing out a lot. Social media has opened a lot of doors when it comes to the world of e-commerce. For instance, you can now utilize the Facebook marketplace and compelling Instagram posts to sell directly on these platforms. So, it’s high time to get creative, through promoting your products on social media. Advertising your products and services beforehand and telling your followers to leave a comment if they’re interested in buying is an excellent way to create a buzz on social media. If you can, tell them that you can hold it for them before these products come in the opening day. That way, you’re ensuring your site’s traffic and sales as soon as these items arrive. That’s why it’s important to create an effective social media strategy for your brands.

Make an Exclusive Preview Sale

If you have a good enough space to store your products, then you can open your doors to host an exclusive private event, such as holding a preview sale. To make it even more exclusive, consider making it a ticketed event, selling a limited amount of tickets. Then, include refreshments, live music, or an exciting activity that will give guests a fantastic opportunity to buy your products before anyone else. Afterward, end the event with a bang by sending your guests’ goodie bags, featuring sample products, coupons, discounts, and more information about your business.

Prep “Coming Soon” Webpage

Although for some, setting up a “coming soon” webpage might seem like an unnecessary addition for your website, it’s one of the essential things that you need to start if you want to generate a lot of sales for your upcoming retail store. One of the first steps you must take is to let your site visitors know your exact launch date. You can also add an email form to your “coming soon” webpage. That way, you can inform your visitors through email whenever your site will go live.

Aside from that, you can use these email addresses if you want to launch an email marketing campaign later on. Keep in mind that as long as you have to ask for consent, proper disclosure, and, learn how to get noticed in your customer’s inbox, then, things will work out as smoothly as possible.

Over to You

So, you’re starting a retail store, and you’re excited about it! If you’re working on the final touches, it’s still crucial to begin your marketing strategy as you generate your brand awareness well before you take off. By doing this, your customers will be excited even before you launch, and as soon as you open your doors, you’re already generating a lot of excitement, and people can’t wait to shop!